Darken Rahl in Game of Thrones

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***

Darken Rahl.

- Richard? - I asked him in disbelief.

- Did you really recognise me dad? I'm so glad we're reunited. You wouldn't believe how much I want to tell you about what's been happening to me.....

- Darken! - It's Mum. - Who is he? Why does he call you--

- Boros, Belves. Get everyone out of here and don't let anyone in. Everybody out! - I gave the order.

- Darken! - Mother shouted something, but I didn't listen to her, I didn't care about her right now.

Everyone went out leaving us alone.

I had already got myself under control and was not as worried as I had been in the first few seconds of our meeting.

- Richard... It really is you. At first I didn't believe my instincts and magic, but only now I understand how strange the Creator's sense of humour is. How did you get here and why did you come here?

- You're glad to see me, father. - He smiled at me, but it was a bit strained. Yeah, he'd never learnt to keep his cool and control his facial expressions. Denna didn't raise him enough. - Did you ever think I might have just missed you?

- I don't think so.

- You're right not to think about it. I still don't have any sonly love for you. I wanted to meet you to discuss some things that have been bothering me for a long time. But there was no one in the Old World to ask them. You were dead.

- And now I suspect you're dead in the Old World, too? - Richard twitched at that.

I wonder what happened there?

- What happened after my death and right up to yours? - I asked him.

- I think I was the one who wanted to ask you mine.

- Don't be cheeky, Richard, you're my firstborn son, but I could kill you for being cheeky. By the way, you're sitting on my throne!

- That's not what you're worried about. - he got up and came closer to me. - If you want to know, I'll tell you. It's probably the right and logical thing to do. After all, my questions are still about the way forward, after your death.

- I listen to you carefully, my boy. - and pulled out two chairs for us.

- After your death, I did not know that I was your son for some time, and it was not until almost a year later that the information came to me. Zed didn't really want to share it. He wanted to raise me differently, like Zorander or... But that doesn't matter now, I didn't always understand his actions. What mattered was that I had to become Master Ral and rule Dhara. I could barely cope. Zed taught me more about magic and gave me his lectures than actually helping me. Kelen tried to help me, but it sometimes made me feel better and sometimes worse. As time went on, I began to understand the Dharians, to accept them as my people, and it began to dawn on me that the path I was imposing on them might be a priori alien to them. They have evolved and lived their way for thousands of years, and I am breaking them. But Zed and Kelen convinced me otherwise. And I listened to them. We had some pretty horrible events, and I almost died a few times, and a couple of times I actually died. The invasion of the Empire from the New World led by Emperor Jegan, the intrigues of Hannis Ark, the dead cannibals, Shan-Tak and their Emperor Sulakan. A lot of death and a lot of pain. - He didn't lie and was as honest with me as possible. - After that, all the bad things seemed to be over. We lived happily ever after with Kahlan until we had a son.

- Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Oh, sorry- sorry Richard, I was just remembering a funny story, but about that afterwards, carry on. - Richard threw a disgruntled look at me, but that amused me even more.

- When he was ten years old, his powers increased and during that time he began to change: from the quiet sweet boy I loved into something... even worse than you. - I snorted. - His mother's power had twisted his mind, but worst of all I realised that this path of my son's had been planned by Zed and was driving him to madness and trying to make him loyal to himself and his goals. Under his influence, Victor killed first Kelen and then all the remaining Mord-Sith. I was not in the capital at the time, I was in Brenidan. When I returned to the People's Palace, I saw Victor sitting on the throne, with Zed beside him, who was not confessed to him, but was in his right mind. They killed me right next to the throne. The last I heard from Zed was how I had 'let him down'. - The armrests of his chair were turned to rubble by his small hands.

- It's a strange even sad statistic, my son. - broke the silence that had formed between us.

- What do you mean? - Richard snapped out of his self-condemnation.

- I caused the death of my father Paniza Rala, you became my murderer, and your son killed you, and both he and you were tools in the hands of one "good" wizard. And I take all this to mean that the last generations of Rals have begun to die not their own deaths, but often the sacrifice of their sons.

- Well, in the case of Panis Rahl, it's your own fault. You raped my mother! And your father tried to rape her! - he shouted.

- And, yes and no.

- What does that mean?

- Do you know the difference between mere murder and the mercy of ending human suffering? - he fell silent. - Murder is dictated by different desires and purposes, a merciful move on a man that is suffering and dying at your hand is dictated by honour and compassion. It was the same situation with your mother Richard.

- Merciful rape? - Zed clearly didn't teach him to keep his emotions in check. Problem child.

- No. My point is that any situation can be looked at and explained from any number of angles and come to any number of conclusions. I didn't rape your mother. At least not for long. Richard, there's a type of woman who likes roughness and humiliation and pain. Your mother was like that.

- Lies!

- She resisted for the first few minutes, but then she got a taste for it and gave herself to me.

Our further conversation for an hour or two turned into a magical duel, which I won due to experience and greater reserve. So Richard was lying on the floor tied up with a bunch of spells, and I was healing my wounds. He had advanced quite a bit in combat magic.

- Well. Now I'll make a deal, she was getting the hang of it and was giving herself to me with great pleasure. We broke up the day you were conceived. I forgot about her almost immediately, only before I bragged to my father that I had fucked Zed's daughter. He thought I'd fucked Zorander and defamed the family's honour, so he sent a squad to find her and kill her. Zed, meanwhile, probably got the story from his frightened daughter that I had raped her repeatedly. Or maybe he made it up himself. Sometimes human thinking is quite bizarre and harmful. One misunderstanding can lead to great tragedy. If I had known that she had conceived you from me, I would have taken her as my wife and raised you to be a true Rahl, not the laughing stock that stood before me on the day we first met.

Richard was silent.

No one outside the Throne Room seems to be dead, so they're waiting for us. We'll have to think of something for them. Right now, though, it's important to figure out what I'm going to do about the heir who's suddenly appeared.

- How did you come to be in this world? And how did you end up in the Shadow Lands?

- I don't know. I woke up on a sacrificial altar in Asshai. A group of necromancers were trying to raise a powerful creature, possibly an elemental. I got scared and killed them all, then ran away. A couple of days later, I got some memories of this body. A past owner who gave up his soul for the greater good. And he was also your son. As it turned out, he was a child that was born ten years ago already there in Asshai, from one of your runaway slave girls.

- My guards and Lady Mellaria should be spoken to. They're clearly under-worked in this area. Since I have learnt that I had a son in this world as well, from another son who replaced him. That's a bad trend.

- Okay, then tell me how you were able to tame Nightmare and how you were able to call him to you.

- I just felt a sense of kinship. And I started calling it in my dreams. - Richard shrugged, "I didn't know it was a whole dragon.

- Well, then you'd better tell me, how did you get accepted here? And how did you convince Quibernus of your origins?

- They took me for you, just a younger version of you, because as it turned out, we were very similar in appearance, and your dragon decided a lot. But when I told them my name, they were wary, especially Mord-Sith. I had to show them that I, as the heir of the Rahl, was not afraid of the Agiel. They respected me, but not all of them believed I was really your son. Though I've even demonstrated my magic.

I see. That's what Qyburn was trying to tell me. He probably thought that I was deliberately hiding my heir for some reason, and then, without warning, Richard shows up on my dragon and boldly declares his lineage. Quite a curious situation. Well, we'll have to sort some things out. But first.

- What do you intend to do here? - I asked him. - You didn't come here just to ask questions, did you?

- That's right. - he nodded. - I want to be the heir to this empire. Since I won't get any peace of mind from you in another world, I figured maybe being Rahl isn't such a bad prospect. It doesn't matter what we want, sometimes it's fate that guides us. You have no idea what I felt and thought when in Asshai I learnt of distant Panizharth and its ruler.

Yes, I wish I could have seen Richard's face of realisation and irony at that moment. It would have warmed my soul.

- I see. But why should I make you officially my heir and recognise you? I could have another heir. Someone more obedient to me and he'd love me like a father.

- And you're going to miss the opportunity to reform me? - you little bastard. - I'm Rahl, your blood, and as it turns out, it's not just blood that binds us, it's more than that. I don't think you're gonna give up on me. In any case you would kill me, if you felt you were a real threat to me, I would be killed by something you had already prepared. I count seventeen hidden traps and spells you've placed on the Throne Room since you entered here, plus the ten circuits that were put in here back when it was built.

- Twenty-two. - I corrected him. - Zed didn't teach you to look at the chairs, which can also transmit a rune trap or curse.

Richard was startled, for he had only now felt them on him.

- And yes, you're right, I won't kill you. And maybe I can use you if you stay out of my way. Now that you and I have a new life, why not start it with a clean slate? But I'll warn you right off the bat, you get in the way, you'll pay for it. I won't let you destroy what you've spent so long building.

- All right. - my son nodded back at me. - You've changed, a little, really, but you've changed. That's why I wonder what will come of it.

We shook hands in agreement.

- Okay dear heir... We have agreed on our relationship, and now listen to me carefully, I will create a beautiful legend for the two of us, which you will memorise and tell everyone....

***

After talking to Richard and making sure he understood and remembered everything well, we went with him to meet my entourage and then I told them the story of the Rals' cruel fate.

Richard had been stolen with his mother from Panisheart before he was born. And he was born already in Asshai, where my enemies decided to use him against me. But Richard was rescued shortly afterwards by myself. I was able, against all odds, to find out about him and he was hidden in the Edge of Shadows under the care of a few loyal men. He grew in secrecy and only I knew of him. And recently, with great difficulty, I destroyed the last pockets of the conspiratorial group in Asshai and brought my rightful heir, Richard Rahl, back home where he belongs. His mother, according to legend, was still the same daughter of Zed, from a powerful ancient family of wizards that has its roots in both Ancient Valyria and Asshai.

- Why didn't I know? - Mum blustered. - I'm your mother, I could have...

- You could not have protected my precious child. You and I were just getting in touch then. You couldn't even take care of yourself. I'm sorry, but it's true.

She lost her head and in her mind, I think she agreed with me.

- Grandma, please don't be angry with your father. - Richard seems to have learnt some tricks of manipulation after all. The question is, where? - He wanted to protect us all.

Bravo my boy, even I would have believed you sincere without knowing your history. Still, you might do some good.

- That you are dear. - she stroked his cheek affectionately. - I'm just sad I didn't get to raise you and sing you a lullaby like your father. Our family has too many enemies.

- Soon that number will diminish, Mother. - I assured her. - They never disappear completely, and someone else is bound to take their place. But I can reduce their numbers.

- This has nothing to do with the war in Westeros, does it? - Rhys asked with a squint.

The words made Jon twitch nervously.

- Yes and no. - I answered Rhys and immediately turned to my apprentice. - Jon, I will try to get your uncle out of Lannister captivity as quickly as possible. Sansa will be more difficult, but I'll get her out too.

- Arya's already with our men. - Mellaria informed me. - She'll be delivered to Panisheart any day now, secretly of course.

- Good. For now, do not inform the Northmen that we have their young princess. Okris, do you have any important information for me?

- I think Quiburn is better equipped to handle that news. - my master over the coin.- Your sister-" the former mester hesitated. --she seems to have fallen in love with a young man.

- Hmm. Who with? - I was beginning to find it amusing.

- Samwell Tarly.

I thought about it for a minute and realised I didn't understand.

- If I remember correctly, he's the eldest son of Randyll Tarly, one of Westeros's finest generals, the one from Spaceland. How did his son end up in Panisheart and when? He's here, isn't he?

- Yes, he arrived the day after you left for the North. To be honest, he's a nice lad and has great promise in science. Except for Tarly. - Quiburn dismissed him. - He went to the Academy and is studying with your sister at my house. Lord Tarly wanted to exile him to the Wall, but the boy heard that our Academy accepts everyone and everything, no matter what. So he ran away from home.

- Does that amuse you? - Miriam asked.

- Yes. He's also in love with Sarella, by the way. But I assure you that Sam is a very sensible fellow, and has not trespassed on his honour....

- I don't care about that, Quiburn. - I smiled at him. - I'd really like to see them, and it wouldn't hurt to talk to them... And what did you mean about the Targaryens, or rather, as I understand it, Daenerys?

- Her Highness was able to awaken three dragon eggs, and now three little newborn dragons are bound to her. - he told me excitedly. - They are healthy and just bursting with energy.

- How did it happen? - I thought that only Darken was capable of such a miracle. And then he went up into the fire, and it was his own Wildfire, which is stronger than the Alchemists' Guild stuff.

- But the princess almost followed His Majesty's path and went up to the fire on the full moon with the three eggs you gave her the other day. And by morning, when the smoke cleared, we saw the princess with three dragons feeding from her breasts.

- And you didn't even try to stop her when she could have been burned? - Miriam asked.

- We were instructed by Master Rahl not to do anything about it. - Okris referred to me.

- Will you explain, Darken? - it was Rhys.

- I had a suspicion that such a thing was possible with Deni. So I decided to rely on fate.

- On the unlikely eventuality most likely. - Rhys chuckled.

- I never rely on chance, Rhys. But I can rely on fate. All right. I'll deal with that, too. What else?

- Varys relayed a message with his bird. A very important one, which also implied that a certain Black Flame was ready to rise up and burn your enemies. If it had "something to burn on". - and immediately relayed that message to me.

- Interesting. Leave the correspondence with Varys to me. Concentrate on scouting Westeros and find me some men from Asshai who actually serve the Empire. You have a month to do the latter.

- I will, Master Rahl. - bowed to the head of the Academy.

- Wonderful. Mum?

- Yes?" she came to her senses again. Before that, she was staring at Richard, who didn't know where to go from such a scrutinising gaze. - Richard is not dressed appropriately for the crown prince of D'Hara. Could you see to it?

There was a look of joy on her face, and Richard's was one of bewilderment and then realisation of what a pig I'd set him up to be. What did he want? He didn't know I was his father, but he'd killed me, and I'd never punished him for that. So let him suffer with these endless fittings in the company of his grandmother, who obviously wants to pour her accumulated maternal love on him. And since such a Bake with me was not possible in my time, and she has this desire to dress up her "miracle" in something "appropriate" has not boiled over, I think it will be a worthy punishment.

Rhys is starting to look at me like I'm a fiend, though. He's strange, he kills hundreds of opponents and feels no remorse, but here it's just a little revenge....

***

It's been a couple of days since I arrived back in Panizhart. I've sorted out my backlog. Talked to the petitioners. Sorted things out with the Iron Bank, and from now on Tycho Nestorio will be the head of the Imperial Bank, as well as Okris' right hand man, and will also sit on the Small Council.

Daenerys didn't demand too much attention to her person because of the appearance of dragons loyal to her, but only devoted all of herself to her "children". It turned out that her mother's bad heredity and difficult childbirth made her a biologically bad mother. She could, of course, get pregnant and even give birth. But it would either be a stillborn baby or a freak. I can't have healthy offspring with her. So I decided to declare the day after Richard's arrival my rightful heir. That calmed some of the opposition, and the nobles calmed down about finding me an empress. And Alice never once bothered me about my grandchildren or my wife. She is now entirely preoccupied with Richard, who is already howling at the moon at this excessive attention from his grandmother. I even seem to have a... conscience about it. It's a conscience I know how to ignore, though.

Samwell Tarly has turned out to be a disappointment. No, he's a pretty smart guy, has potential as a scientist, manager, and assistant, but his appearance and lifestyle was just out of character for a bearer of the Tarly surname.

The fattest boy I've ever seen in my life. Apparently he weighed about a hundred pounds, if not more. Multiple chins, pale brown eyes moving nervously in a rounded face, chubby sweaty fingers that could only seem to hold food. And I won't believe Randil didn't take care of him. It's either that the boy is not at all suited to weapons, or the power of "fat will" is much stronger than his father's upbringing.

And my half-sister, who is the smartest and most resourceful of all the snakes, fell in love with this miracle. No, I realise, of course, that the Dornish are rather perverse, and I'm no saint with my subjects. But this is too much even for us.

And the saddest thing is that I could see in her gaze and in the conversation between us about her chosen one that she really loves him. It made me want to howl at the moon.

But my faithful Miriam came to the rescue. She's taken Sam seriously. Or rather, she's going to take him on as her personal apprentice. If he doesn't become a worthy man, he won't live to match Sarella.

Sarella herself has known about my origins for over a month now and was not afraid of my anger. I can't say exactly what it was that made her so calm, but she didn't believe or expect me to be mean, hateful, or in any way disadvantaged. She was... different compared to the other snakes. And I liked her way of thinking and speaking. I think she could be useful to me in the future as a master of something. For example, a master over the law or be the new head of the Academy. The future will tell.

Westeros was preparing for a major war. All the kingdoms were preparing to take sides. Even Euron, who had been banished from the Iron Islands, was going to return there soon. At least that's what he told me.

And Tywin Lannister has begun to probe me for an alliance. Though even slow-witted Stannis decided to write me a line or two, but in a commanding tone he asked me to report to Alice on Dragonstone, who would be leaving in a couple of days.

And I... I'm flipping through an ancient grimoire that I got from the Quartian sorcerers, looking at a couple of scrolls of ancient Valyrian mages, and next to me on the altar are two dragon eggs from the same clutch as Deni's eggs (her eggs are the inheritance of five eggs that her distant ancestor left for safekeeping in Asshai), as well as two piles of human bones.

Very soon the Seven Kingdoms will be shaken by what I'm about to do. There's a reason I've travelled so many places in search of information, isn't there?

To be continued...